bull thistle

noun

: a biennial Eurasian thistle (Cirsium vulgare) with purplish flower heads and prickly leaves that is naturalized as a weed in the U.S.

Examples of bull thistle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many, such as bull thistle, are noxious weeds that can displace native plants and contribute to problems such as soil erosion. Christina Grozinger, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2024 Errol’s rolling links, which once had lush greens and fairways, are now dry and brown and pocked by bull thistles and other prickly weeds. Stephen Hudak, OrlandoSentinel.com, 18 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bull thistle was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near bull thistle

Cite this Entry

“Bull thistle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bull%20thistle. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!